Where are we as a church, what makes us who we are, and what are we looking forward to in 2026? Owen and Claire Lynch share how Severn is an inclusive community of friends where all people are welcome to encounter Christ Jesus.

If you would like to know more about giving to Severn, see severnchurchbristol.org/giving. To find the FAQs and other material to accompany this talk, visit https://severnchurchbristol.org/vision2026.

How can we get to grips with the Bible and what it means? Claire Lynch looks at how it fits together lots of stories as part of one big story of life, purpose, relationships, struggles, suffering, hope and fulfilment. Can looking at the Bible as a box set with recognisable episodes help us to explore it and connect it with our lives today?

How do we find meaning in life through what we regularly do? Owen Lynch looks at the role of repeated patterns, habits or rituals in diverse places, from the minds of sports stars to the tables of families. God's people have also been encouraged for centuries to remember who we and God are to each other through shared festivals with meaningful meals. This year, people at Severn can expect to share the Lord's Supper regularly, and we remember what this means - Jesus' life, given for us - as we share it today.

What might God have prepared you for this year? The story of Esther describes a woman in an unusual work situation, picked out by leaders with their own purposes in mind, but seemingly placed by God for an unimaginably important role.

Jewish people regularly celebrate this story and credit God, who is not directly seen in it, for saving and supporting them through Esther's faith and faithfulness. Can we also discern purpose from God in our work, family or community?

What would a meeting with the baby Jesus have been like? Owen Lynch looks at this from the viewpoint of Magi - the “wise men” who came with expectations set by prophecy, valuable gifts and a hazardous journey that brushed with powers who wanted nothing to come from Jesus’ life.

Could Jesus have held the power to change lives, and could this have been seen at the time we celebrate at Christmas?

This talk includes a recitation of TS Eliot’s poem, “Journey of the Magi”, a time for guided meditation and reflection, and a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

What difference does faith in Jesus make to our sense of freedom? David Jennings shares experiences of people who have found transformation when starting to believe and trust in God, and looks at how Jesus described what to expect. When we feel a sense of tiredness from heavy burdens as we try hard to do the right things, is this coming from what God wants from us, or could Jesus be looking to relieve, empower and refresh us?

What is special about the new season we’re about to enter? Kyle Henderson-Begg looks at the role that festivals play in people’s lives, providing inspiration - literally, breath in - to fuel our lives and day to day expressions of faith. They can show us God’s character and our purpose, as well as interrupting regular life to refresh and remind us that life ahead can be different, better than what we are used to. How can engaging with Advent in the approach to Christmas help you see life differently this year?

Can God speak to you through pictures? Find out with this approach to prayer and meditation. It contains several long stretches of silence between suggestions for what to do, which can help you engage over a useful period of time.

Find pictures and full walkthrough steps here: https://www.severnvineyard.org/sunday-talks-bloglist/2025/11/6/visio-divina-led-by-claire-lynch-9-november-2025